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Old 05-05-2008, 08:15 AM
 
10 posts, read 64,607 times
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Hi there. Looking at a house in Live Oak Preserve. It's a bank owned home looks like it was barely lived in. Built in 05. Has a crack running through tile and some hairline cracks on stucco outside. Just wondering if anyone, especially in Live Oak Preserve, has experienced sinkhole problems or extreme settling?
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Old 05-05-2008, 10:25 AM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by queens5 View Post
Hi there. Looking at a house in Live Oak Preserve. It's a bank owned home looks like it was barely lived in. Built in 05. Has a crack running through tile and some hairline cracks on stucco outside. Just wondering if anyone, especially in Live Oak Preserve, has experienced sinkhole problems or extreme settling?
Before you buy you should google "Live "oak" and maybe you find out a little bit more about the area.
Are you aware the property taxes are higher in Hillsborough County than in Pasco County and the County line is close by but it is still Hillsborough County. Super Target is Pasco County.
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Old 05-05-2008, 05:50 PM
 
Location: East Tennessee
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You would want to get a home inspection and your offer should be contingent upon it. About 5 years ago there were some settlement issues in the Pebblecreek area in New Tampa. Some areas are more prone to sinkholes, but no area is completely risk free. You can read more about sinkholes and where they've been reported from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at DRAM, FGS, Sinkholes in Florida.

As part of their due diligence, many developers will perform soil impact tests and the builder can produce an engineering report if you ask. Any builder will tell you some settlement cracks are normal. Are the cracks outside on the stucco like stair steps, e.g., along the concrete blocks? I see them a lot...even in new construction. Builders usually won't correct hairline cracks on the concrete driveways or patios, though.

Last edited by TampaKaren; 05-05-2008 at 06:04 PM..
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Old 05-06-2008, 08:36 PM
 
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Only Some Hairline Cracks On Outside Stucco, Not Stairstep. Main Crack Is Inside On Tiled Area In Kitchen Running Down Hall, Fairly Straight And Level (meaning No One Side Is Higher Than Other) The Tiles Were Put In By Builder So It May Be Normal Settling And I've Heard You Shouldn't Lay Tile The First Two Years In A New House Anyways. We've Replaced Carpet W/tile Before After Owning For A Few Years And Found Cracks In Slab Before. Just Not As Straight.
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Old 05-07-2008, 03:55 AM
 
Location: FL 33774
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cracks in slab can be a problem, thats how subterranean termites can get through the floor into the structure. Of course they dont travel around looking for cracks in floors it can just happen that way.
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Old 05-07-2008, 08:24 AM
 
10 posts, read 64,607 times
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The ground under slab was treated for termites prior to construction and home offered termite inspection last December (all good) as well as one we did recently (all good), the home has barely been lived in (foreclosure/investor). We had someone come in and say they could fix it by pumping over $6k worth of foam under the home/foundation to create safety barrier, of what, not yet sure as they cannot determine why there's a crack besides regular settling. I guess this guy just scared me more than I normally would be.
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Old 05-08-2008, 05:26 AM
 
13,768 posts, read 38,210,483 times
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hmm.. I would probably call someone else to check the crack. Maybe one of our resident realtors or other members can give you a suggestion. The one thing you do have to watch out for in FL (and in other places) are ppl who will tell you anything to get your money.

Cracks are normal as others have stated. Maybe the crack is due to poorly laid tile rather than settlement?.

Just be wary. Check the BBB for ratings and ask your neighbors if they have had any problems.
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Old 02-13-2010, 06:20 AM
 
Location: Tampa FL
5 posts, read 30,262 times
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A home with cracking doesn't always mean there's sinkhole activity occurring. On the other hand, when there is sinkhole activity, there will ALWAYS be cracking. If there are signs of differential settlement (such as exterior or interior wall cracks, sometimes in the shape of "stair steps", seperation of the wall from the floor, ceiling, or baseboard, doors or windows that "stick" or "jam", dead patches of grass or plants, or even sinkholes in the neighborhood), be very cautious! If you purchase the home, knowing of the cracking or settlement, you may not be able to get sinkhole insurance, or even if you do, a later sinkhole claim may be denied!

The concept that "cracks are normal" is incorrect. Cracks don't just form on their own, for no particular reason. Something is always causing a crack to form. That "something" may or may not be sinkhole activty. Homes do settle - but the "normal settling" typically will occur within the first 18 months. If a crack forms after the first 18 months, chances are something else is causing it... Temperature differential (e.g. extreme hot and cold weather) may cause cracks to materials - but really, Florida doesn't reach extreme cold... Long story short, if a crack has formed or grown after the first 18 months a home has been built, I would have serious concerns about it.

For more information about sinkhole signs, feel free to browse my sinkhole practice website at http://www.byrnelawgroup.com/practiceareas/sinkholelaw/



John Byrne, Esq.
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